Fed-OSHA is holding a stakeholder meeting July 17, in Washington, D.C., to discuss the future direction of its Voluntary Protection Programs. The agency’s aim is to “reshape VPP so that it continues to represent safety and health excellence, leverages partner resources, further recognizes the successes of long-term participants, and supports smart program growth.” Fed-OSHA is […]
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Cal/OSHA Seeks Huge Penalties in Refinery Explosion
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health has cited ExxonMobil Refining for 19 alleged violations following an investigation into the February 18 explosion at the company’s Torrance refinery. The incident only slightly injured four workers, but investigators concluded that management had been aware of hazardous conditions at the unit in question, yet took no steps […]
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Standards Board Finally Gets Seats Filled
Gov. Jerry Brown has reappointed four current members of the Cal/OSH Standards Board and named two new members to Cal/OSHA’s rulemaking body. The appointments are being said to provide both stability and new faces to the board. The newly appointed members are Robert Blink, 62, of San Francisco, and John Sacco, 60, of Rocklin. Both […]
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Short Window to Comment on Heat Illness Guidance
Do you have questions about Cal/OSHA’s new revisions to the heat illness prevention regulation? Do you want the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to address your ideas and concerns in its updated guidance document on the regulation? You have to act fast – before Friday, March 6 if you want to weigh in. DOSH […]
Curated Content Articles of Interest from Around the Web
News Digest 4-9-2020
Hundreds of airline employees test positive for COVID-19
Representatives of Southwest and American Airlines employees have sent a list of demands to their employers for masks and gloves for flight attendants, social distancing on board and thermal scanning in airports. One union officials says she also has reached out to Fed-OSHA and the Federal Aviation Administration. NBC DFW
Nurse fired for raising safety issues, union claims
A healthcare employees union claims a registered nurse at Jersey Shore University Medical Center lost his job this week after he raised concerns about the safety of nurses and staff at the hospital amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus. The state president of the union says nurses had been raising concerns about the availability of personal protective equipment and had been bringing masks from home, but were being forced to get rid of them or face disciplinary measures. Patch (Wall, N.J.)
Pennsylvania rep questions Postmaster General on safety gear for postal workers
After seeing recent media reports noting shortages of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and cleaners, masks and gloves. U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania is questioning the postmaster general about access and distribution of the safety supplies to postal workers and letter carriers. A local union official says some employees don’t wear disposable masks because they aren’t mandated. Daily Times
Tennessee OSHA office received 164 COVID-19 complaints in a month
From March 1 through April 6, TOSHA received 164 of complaints related to the COVID-19 pandemic, comprising more than 70 percent of all complaints. The documents show employees noted coworkers were coming to work sick and employers were not enforcing physical distancing standards. WJHL (Johnson City, Tenn.)
OR-OSHA warns masks will not completely protect essential workers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending wearing non-medical masks while in public. However, Oregon OSHA said masks are not sufficient to keep essential workers safe. News 10
Firearm plant employee tests positive for coronavirus
An employee of Sig Sauer at one of the company’s New Hampshire plants has tested positive for COVID-19 and other employees with potential exposure are under quarantine, the company’s chief executive has reported. fosters.com/seacoastonline.com
Fed-OSHA fines employer on Georgia road project after employee’s fall accident
Fed-OSHA has fined a construction contractor $23,000 after its employee fell in September at an interstate worksite in Macon, Georgia. The employee was walking across the metal decking on top of the bridge when the decking fell through, causing him to fall more than 30 feet onto a concrete drainage ditch. WGXA (Macon, Ga.)